Shopkeepers booked in Lahore on overcharging for masks, sanitisers

LAHORE: Lahore police arrested 129 accused for violation of Section 144 imposed in the context of spread of coronavirus and overcharge for masks and sanitisers. On Wednesday, 23 cases were registered for violation of Section 144, while in total 31 cases have been registered so far.

CCPO Lahore Zulfiqar Hameed had directed a crackdown on the shopkeepers on overcharging for masks and sanitisers. So far 20 FIRs have been registered against profiteers while two more shopkeepers were arrested on Wednesday. The CCPO warned that no one would be allowed to rob in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. “The treacherous attitude of hoarding and earning illegal profits in difficult times is unfortunate” lamented the Lahore police chief. He said that citizens could also file complaints at the police helpline 15. “Police will take immediate action,” the CCPO said. He said that the Special Branch had also been mobilised to prevent profiteering.

Meanwhile, DIG Operations Rai Babar Saeed directed all divisional SPs to remain in the field and ensure compliance with government directives. He said that action would be taken against the police officers who did not take action despite having information.